Yankees rally against All-Star closer Nathan for 5-4 win over Rangers; Rivera gets 32nd save

ARLINGTON, Texas – Eduardo Nunez hit a tying triple, Brent Lillibridge followed with a go-ahead single and the New York Yankees rallied against All-Star closer Joe Nathan in the ninth inning Tuesday night for a 5-4 victory over the Texas Rangers.

New York’s comeback got started when Vernon Wells drew a one-out walk against Nathan (1-1) and scored on Nunez’s triple to deep centre. Nunez stumbled on his way to third and practically flopped into the bag, then scored on Lillibridge’s single to left.

Nathan had converted 15 consecutive save chances, and 31 of 32 this season. Texas had been 51-0 when leading after eight innings.

Mariano Rivera, who set up Nathan’s save in the All-Star game a week earlier, struck out two in a perfect ninth for his 32nd save this season, extending his career record to 640.

Joba Chamberlain (2-0), the fourth Yankees pitcher, got help in his perfect eighth when centre fielder Brett Gardner made two incredible catches — one against the wall before his running, leaping grab to end the inning.

The Rangers scored their runs in the sixth, all of them unearned after Lillibridge’s error at third base. Texas led 4-3 after Mitch Moreland greeted reliever Boone Logan with a two-run homer.